Urban environments are getting warmer and warmer because of climate change so there is a need for interventions that can help with cooling. These interventions should also provide co-benefits. A lot of microclimate studies only focus on a few fixed points, or street-wide averages and rarely look at conditions adjacent to an intervention or along a route regarding thermal comfort. Co-benefits such as added bioretention surface area and CO₂ uptake are almost never looked at alongside thermal comfort. To tackle those gaps three nature-based solutions (NBS) scenarios are tested in a thermally uncomfortable street in Amsterdam on the hottest day ever recorded in the city (25 July, 2019), these NBS scenarios are: green façades, bioswales and vegetated pergola. The ENVI-met model had input data of a local weather station and was validated against observations of the Schiphol weather station. So it is used to look at the whole-street conditions and 2 meter wide buffer zones for each NBS intervention at 18:00 and 23:00. A walk-based Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) tool of ENVI-met showed proper pedestrian exposure during a route. The Timorpleinbuurt-Zuid neighborhood was selected as a study-case because it is a neighborhood with a lot of high heat exposure and it has a low amount of public green space, so a high impervious cover, but also has urgent rainwater risk, and a high social vulnerability to heat, and it provides local weather data for validation. The results depend on both NBS type and analysis scale (bufferzone or whole street). The pergola has the strongest relief at 18:00, largely seen within its buffer zones where shade covers the sidewalk. Green façades cool more consistently at the street scale and are also staying effective into the evening, while also improving comfort in the bufferzones. The bioswales provide a low amount of thermal comfort at both scales but it has the highest amount of added bioretention surface area and the highest reduction in CO₂ levels. So there are trade-offs so a mixed strategy is recommended. This would be having pergolas on the sun exposed walking routes, green façades to block incoming sunlight on building facades to help with whole street-scale and thermal comfort at 18:00 and 23:00, and bioswales to increase the bioretention surface area and air-quality goals. The bufferzone and walk-based PET are a good way to evaluate the single NBS interventions where people actually move.

This thesis explores strategies to address environmental injustice and enhance human wellbeing in minority-concentrated neighborhoods in Charlotte, North Carolina, impacted by rapid urbanization and limited access to greenspaces. Through a multi-scalar approach combining ecological restoration, sustainable urban design, and community-led placemaking, the project proposes integrated interventions such as expanding green corridors, restoring waterways, and promoting accessible transit to improve environmental quality and social equity. Central to the research is the Green Village of Charlotte, a nature-based educational and community hub designed to empower residents through environmental education and participatory initiatives focused on food sovereignty, biodiversity, and climate resilience. By combining scenario planning, design frameworks, softGIS surveys and community engagement, the project demonstrates how holistic, adaptive, and inclusive planning can foster healthier, more equitable urban environments while minimizing displacement risks. The findings contribute to advancing urban sustainability and environmental justice in growing metropolitan areas.

In a context increasingly altered by the climate and biodiversity crises, the theoretical discourse and practices which shape the built environment have shifted in the past 50 years towards sustainable architecture, branching out on various concepts, such as adaptability, material life cycle assessment, circularity, urban mining and the digitization of the construction process. However, these strategies focus primarily on minimizing the environmental impact of the construction industry and thus, on mitigating climate change, while they miss addressing the inevitable impacts of a changing climate on architecture itself. If buildings are to be viewed as material repositories (Rau & Oberhuber, 2022), it becomes crucial to consider not only their material flows, but their material longevity and resilience as well. By perceiving weathering not solely as a destructive process, but as one of material exchange that encompasses both destructive and constructive elements, this research paper aims to identify what kind of constructive processes take place when materials are weathering, as well as what design strategies can facilitate these mechanisms. These phenomena lead to the bioprotection of the built environment and take the shape of physical bioprotection or biomineralization. Moreover, they can be achieved by making use of both natural and engineered ecological dynamics which take place on the outermost layer of a building. The analysis leads to a better understanding of material resilience and aims to contribute to a longer lifespan of the built environment in a changing climate.

This research investigates the ongoing land subsidence crisis in Jakarta, revealing it as not merely an environmental issue but a product of deep-rooted social, historical, and infrastructural inequalities. Drawing from theoretical frameworks of speculative urbanism, urban resilience, and environmental justice, the study traces the origins of Jakarta’s vulnerability to colonial water systems, unregulated urbanization, and inequitable access to piped water. Through a comprehensive literature review and case study analysis, the paper evaluates current and global strategies, highlighting both top-down interventions and community-led innovations. A key outcome of this research is the development of an architectural design proposal for a resilient coastal community in Muara Baru, integrating local knowledge, decentralized water systems, and nature-based solutions. The study argues that meaningful adaptation must be inclusive, context-sensitive, and grounded in lived experience. Jakarta’s future resilience depends not only on technical solutions but also on just governance and community empowerment.

In the context of population growth and economic development, dense cities can generate significant environmental and social benefits. Although this paradigm provides an essential strategy to confront urban population growth and housing demands, it directly and indirectly affects the well-being of urban life systems. The reduction of trees and urban green spaces that accompanies densification exacerbates the health risks to residents from heat island and urban flooding. At the same time, dense settlements fail to meet the basic needs of human contact with nature, raising issues of spatial justice. On the other hand, habitat degradation of flora and fauna leads to threats to the biodiversity in urban environments. This study provides a spatial intervention from an urban ecological design perspective to improve socio-ecological well-being in dense city contect by enhancing ecosystem services in order to achieve the goal of ecopolis.

Urban space types are classified first to help identify and better utilize the potential green space within dense cities. Then the Green in Dense pattern language is generated, which aims to improve socio-ecological well-being by complementing, enhancing, and maintaining green space. The pattern language provides strategies that can be applied to private and public spaces at four different scales and analyzes their adaptability to different urban space types. Also, in order to explore the process of practical application of the pattern language, the roles of human and non-human stakeholders are analyzed.

The pattern language are applied specifically to the inner city of Bruges. First, a future-oriented overall vision was established, applying large-scale patterns to supplement green spaces and build ecological and spatial networks from multiple layers, while proposing corresponding governance and management recommendations. The overall strategy was divided into four phases, with clear implementation sequences and priorities for projects within each phase. Specific roles and responsibilities were also defined for different types of stakeholders in each phase, forming an operational multi-stakeholder collaboration framework.

At the implementation level, the Eekhoutstraat–Garenmarkt street was selected as the pilot project for the first phase, applying the pattern language in a spatial context. In subsequent phases, three representative projects of different types were selected, each proposing targeted spatial design solutions, demonstrating the method's adaptability and replicability in diverse urban contexts.

This thesis presented a possibility to enhance socio-ecological well-being in dense urban areas by developing a replicable spatial strategy. It also integrates the needs and roles of both human and non-human stakeholders which emphasizes multispecies collaboration. Overall, it offers a useful reference for other historic, dense cities to develop green space strategies.

Rapid urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa is placing increasing pressure on ecologically sensitive regions. In Nakuru, Kenya, situated between the Menengai Crater and Lake Nakuru, this growth threatens water systems, biodiversity and overall resilience. Unregulated development, combined with limited green infrastructure and inadequate water management, has intensified urban sprawl, deforestation, flooding and habitat loss.
At the same time, Nakuru’s unique ecological and cultural landscape offers the potential for a regenerative design approach that connects people and nature through multifunctional green-blue systems.

This thesis explores how regenerative urban landscape design can foster a more resilient future in Nakuru, balancing water management and biodiversity restoration. The goal is to develop a systemic approach connecting ecological infrastructure with the water network.

Using a research-by-design methodology, this project analyses the socio-ecological impacts of urban growth, through layered spatial analysis, precedent studies, stakeholder engagement and site-specific observations. The findings are translated to a spatial strategies.
These insights are translated into spatial strategies that structure the city around three hydrological zones: upland (control), midstream (store) and downstream (use).
Grounded in systems thinking and landscape-based urbanism, informed by theoretical framework, the resulting regenerative framework proposes design interventions such as water retention parks, green-blue corridors and multifunctional landscapes including urban agriculture and reforested catchment zones.
These strategies simultaneously address ecological goals (biodiversity, water quality), social goals (health, education, participation), and infrastructural goals (flood control, runoff management).

The proposed framework is site-specific but grounded in transferable principles such as systems thinking, multifunctionality and community-driven stewardship. Ultimately, the project repositions nature from a passive backdrop to an active urban agent; essential for both human and ecological well-being.

The Njoro River, the primary tributary of Lake Nakuru in Kenya’s Rift Valley, is facing severe ecological degradation due to deforestation, agricultural intensification, and rapid urban expansion. This thesis explores how regenerative landscape design can be used to restore the ecological integrity of the river while supporting the livelihoods of communities within its catchment. Building on the methodology of Research Through Design (RTD), this work integrates hydrological analysis, socio-spatial mapping, and co-design workshops conducted in collaboration with local actors. The study develops a spatial framework based on nature-based solutions that can be implemented through decentralized, community-led action. Rather than proposing a singular fixed intervention, the thesis offers a contextual strategy that acknowledges the complexity of socio-ecological systems and the limitations of top-down planning models. The outcome is a layered, adaptable vision that aims to rebalance ecological and human needs in the Njoro watershed.

Dutch resettlement housing for refugees is stressed due to the ongoing refugee crisis. As a result, the quality of housing cannot always be guaranteed, with negative consequences in terms of wellbeing. Architects, therefore, need tools to better integrate well-being into resettlement housing. Biophilic design offers a solution to combine wellbeing and dwelling. However, the suitability of this design approach has not previously been tested for resettlement housing and its target group. By compiling a pattern language from literature and testing it with both case studies and the Dutch regulation framework, a toolkit has been created for architects. The suitability of applying biophilic design in Dutch resettlement housing has been shown. The toolkit contains principles for the different patterns as well as generic principles. To translate these principles into practical tools, they are supported by various tools. This way, the architect has the opportunity to properly integrate biophilic design for well-being into the design, raising the quality of resettlement housing.

Human beings engage with architectural spaces both cognitively and emotionally, with research highlighting the significant impact of emotional experiences on health and well-being. As cities become increasingly urbanized, a notable absence of natural environments has raised concerns about a growing disconnection from nature. This gap manifests in both the quantity and quality of interactions with the natural world. The central challenge, then, is how to re-establish a meaningful connection to nature in urban settings.
This research aims to address two key objectives: first, to explore the environmental and emotional challenges posed by urbanization, and second, to develop a set of design principles and tools that empower architects and designers to create human-centered, emotionally resonant spaces.
In conclusion, emotional architecture offers a promising approach to mitigating the environmental and psychological impacts of urbanization. By engaging the senses, honoring local culture and climate, and integrating nature as a central design element, urban environments can be transformed into vibrant, restorative spaces that enhance both our well-being and our connection to the natural world creating an Urban Oais.

This thesis investigates the degradation of the river ecosystem in Monterrey, located in northeastern Mexico, with a focus on the Río Santa Catarina. Historically a free-flowing river from the Sierra Madre Oriental to the Gulf of Mexico, the Río Santa Catarina is now often dry except during heavy rains or hurricanes, when it poses flood risks to the city. Human interventions, including concrete reinforcement of riverbanks and the construction of roads, have disconnected the river from Monterrey’s urban fabric and exacerbated water scarcity during dry seasons. These short-term flood control measures have degraded the river ecosystem, reflecting broader issues of biodiversity loss, climate change, desertification, and water scarcity.

Monterrey, situated in a semi-arid landscape and facing severe climate challenges, exemplifies the complex relationship between human societies and their natural environments. Historical changes have shifted the city’s relationship with its landscape from symbiotic to exploitative, driven by industrialization and rapid urbanization. This shift has led to a narrative that views the natural landscape as a problem to be managed rather than a resource to be nurtured.

This thesis highlights the significant opportunity for Monterrey to transform its approach to river management. By reimagining the Río Santa Catarina as a natural river park, the city can enhance flood control, restore ecological integrity, and foster community engagement. The proposed solutions are based on the Urban Ecology Design Approach (Tillie, 2024), which considers the urban ecosystem level, urban habitat level and the species level of Monterrey. The solutions are integrated in the watershed of the Santa Catarina River based on the Watershed Approach (Hooijmeijer et al., 2021) and promotes strategies for upstream water retention, midstream space allocation, and controlled downstream flow. Three site-specific designs illustrate these strategies, aiming to restore the river’s ecological balance and reconnect the community with the river.

While the issues faced by Monterrey’s river ecosystem are context-specific, they reflect global challenges of balancing flood control with ecological resilience. The methods and strategies developed in this thesis are broadly applicable to other regions facing similar environmental pressures.

This study explores the Vernacular Architecture of the northeastern Indian State of Assam to develop a sustainable building model tailored to modern societal demands. Over two months, field research was conducted, including analysis of traditional Assamese buildings and interviews with local residents. The research highlights the climate-responsive features of indigenous structures, such as natural ventilation and use of local materials like bamboo and clay. In contrast, contemporary constructions using concrete and steel often fail to address the region's climatic challenges, leading to increased environmental impact and inadequate living conditions. By integrating traditional practices with modern techniques and a more innovative utilization of local resources, the proposed model of Contemporary Vernacular Architecture (CVA) aims to create resilient, culturally relevant, and environmentally sustainable buildings, fostering a balance between nature and people.
Based on the CVA model, a structural system was developed that responds to the local context of Assam while considering socio-cultural desires. In the next step, the structural system was adapted to the specific needs of the Akshar school in Guwahati. Merging the CVA model with the specific needs of the school led to the design of a dorm and workshop. The project aims to inspire the next generation of Assamese youth to become more aware of the potential around them and within themselves.

This research preliminarily develops a framework based on the existing discourses on the theme of identity in architecture. This framework serves as a tool for analysing the “identity” of existing sites for which restoration is deemed necessary, as is the case for many post-war housing estates. The analysis results indicate areas of improvement, which then guide the redesign of a post-war apartment block. We demonstrate the framework’s application in a case study of a typical late post-war neighbourhood in the suburbs of Haarlem, Netherlands.

Peatlands are a rare landscape that only covers over 3% of the world’s land mass, but store nearly 30% of all soil carbon (Brooks, 2019). Peat oxidation, driven by the drainage of these wetlands for agricultural purposes, poses a severe threat to the ecological integrity of Friesland’s low midlands. Additionally, it leads to water management challenges, such as water shortages in higher areas and flooding in lower regions. The concept of a circular economy offers a promising solution to this complex problem. By transitioning from a linear model of production and consumption to one focused on reuse, recycling, and minimizing waste, the circular economy aims to reduce pressure on natural resources and mitigate environmental degradation. In the context of Friesland’s peatlands, embracing circular agricultural practices could offer a sustainable approach to relieve peat oxidation.

To determine if circular agriculture practices will alleviate peat oxidation in Friesland’s low midlands, the research question follows: What is the spatial framework based on circular agriculture to relieve peat oxidation in the ‘low midlands’ in Friesland, the Netherlands? With the sub questions: What are the characteristics of the peat landscapes in the low midlands, Friesland, the Netherlands? What agriculture practices have the potential of relieving peat oxidation? What is the relation of the agriculture practices that relieve peat oxidation to the circular agriculture system?

Development of the framework is done by looking into literature review, interviews with stakeholders and expert, and testing the implications of the findings through design research. Through this structured approach, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between peatlands, agricultural practices, and circular economy principles, with the goal of proposing sustainable solutions for preserving the ecosystems of Friesland’s low midlands.

In conclusion, the spatial framework involves an integrated approach combining water management, circular crop and livestock practices, community engagement, and integrating peat ecotypes within the agricultural system.

Maintaining higher water levels in peatlands is crucial to reducing peat oxidation. Circular crop practices include cultivating crops such as Reed, Cattail, and Willow, which thrive in wet conditions and originate from peat landscapes, thus preventing peat oxidation. These practices also support circular livestock practices in combination with strip grazing and flooding to maintain soil health. By reintroducing wooded banks and flooding in the agricultural landscape, traditional practices are preserved and the connection between the local community, nature, and the agricultural landscape is enhanced. A green corridor acts as a vital ecological link between Natura2000 areas ensuring that species can migrate and disperse. The local community plays a vital role in implementing and sustaining this circular agriculture system. The integration of agricultural products for housing materials or biogas creates a strong bond between the community and the landscape. Surplus products are distributed nationally and internationally, broadening market reach and economic benefits.

The study recommends expanding the range of agricultural practices suitable for high-water table environments, further research to understand the impact of different crops on specific peat strata, and investigating the detailed effects of the proposed dairy cattle system.

Monterrey (Mexico), situated in a semi-arid climate, confronts a several challenges because of rapid urbanization, such as droughts, floods, health issues and heat. The urban expansion resulted in higher vulnerability to climatic and political happenings. To navigate these multiple complexities, a comprehensive strategy is imperative. This study presents an integrative model of nature-inclusive urban agriculture, conceived to address the intricate interplay of ecological, water, and social dynamics within the urban fabric. Incorporating the implementation of heritage crops and techniques to strengthen the connection between humans, nature, and food production. The method used involves a multi-level approach, combining both bottom-up and top-down approaches. Through a case study in Monterrey, this model is refined into a more detailed toolbox, and applied in various locations across the city. Three distinct foodscapes are designed with the use of this toolbox, strategically positioned across the cityscape to maximize resilience. This toolbox goes beyond just geographical limits. It provides useful ideas and methods that can work for places dealing with similar challenges in (semi-)arid climates. By bringing together views from different regions and involving people at different levels, this approach helps communities adapt and become more resilient in changing environmental situations. This research doesn’t just add to academic discussions but also gives real solutions that can have a big impact on making cities more resilient and sustainable in semi-arid areas around the world.

Climate change is leading to an increased probability of flooding of coastal areas. This creates a major problem especially in developing countries. The communities in the coastal area can take little or no measures against sudden climate disasters such as storms and floods.
Suriname is one of these developing countries. Most of the population lives in the coastal area. In many places, the coastal protection cannot withstand climate problems such as sea level rise and is therefore more prone to storms and floods.
Protection from the sea consists mainly of a natural dike of mangrove forests. In their natural state, the trees retain sediment from and thus grow with the sea level. They also form a nutrient-rich ecosystem on which humans and animals depend.
Parties affected by the mangrove forests no longer know how to interact with the environment in a healthy way and live at the expense of the forests. There are communities in the areas, such as the indigenous tribal communities, who have knowledge on how to interact with the forests in a sustainable way. However, the groups have hardly any rights, are not taken serious and are constantly deprived of their living areas.
As a result, these forests are rapidly decreasing and can no longer provide proper protection for people, animals and the areas behind.
Many residents fear eroding coastlines and no longer trust mangrove forests. They lobby for sea dykes but there is little money for this in Suriname. Besides, these dykes have to be maintained and heightened all the time after construction and there is no money for this either.
This thesis, Mangrove Marvels, will focus on the relationship between humans and the mangrove landscape. The aim is to develop a toolbox of design principles that serve as guidelines for sustainable handling of this ecosystem. By applying these design principles, mangroves will have the opportunity to recover and be able to fulfil their crucial role in protecting the landscape.

The primary focus of this thesis is the agricultural sector and its sustainability in the rural region surrounding Lelystad, located in Oostelijk Flevoland. The research highlights the importance of maintaining healthy biodiversity in agricultural environments, which can help mitigate negative impacts from factors such as pests, climate change, and pollution. The specific area of interest faces numerous challenges such as climate change, groundwater salinization, drought, and a lack of agroecology and ecology. These challenges are a result of a landscape with distinct agricultural and natural areas. The objective of this research is to develop an integrated approach for a nature-inclusive and future-proof agricultural sector, based on the Farm of the Future area in Lelystad. The tools developed during this research can be implemented in other regions with a focus on connecting farmers and citizens for an integrated landscape.

The central research question of this thesis is: ‘Which landscape architectural strategies could be used to increase the effectiveness of ecological infrastructure in rural areas to connect landscapes, promote functional agrobiodiversity, and restore biodiversity?’ The research methods used include data collection, literature review, site visits, a design case study, and interviews. The thesis emphasizes three main themes: nature, water, and the connection between farmers and citizens. The proposed strategies include strengthening the green network, promoting nature-inclusive agriculture, and water retention. However, the specific challenges and opportunities of the Lelystad area require tailored solutions, and the proposed strategies are not directly transferable to other areas. Further feasibility studies and analysis are necessary, along with research into revenue models for farmers who switch to nature-inclusive agriculture.

By integrating these landscape architectural strategies, a rural landscape can be created that not only enhances agricultural biodiversity but also addresses climate issues and restores the relationship between farmers and citizens. This will result in a future-proof agricultural landscape that can sustainably support the needs of the community.

The challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change put Dutch cities under pressure, necessitating a transition towards nature-inclusive urban environments. In pre-war working-class neighborhoods, however, the lack of access to urban green spaces hampers appreciation for nature, resulting in a negative feedback loop that prohibits nature-inclusive, bottom-up action. This research proposes a transition strategy to empower residents to take ownership of public space and initiate a transition towards nature inclusivity.

To guide this process, two sets of design principles were constructed. The first set establishes what an optimal consideration for ecology in pre-war working-class neighborhoods would entail. The second set revolves around empowering citizens to take ownership of public space. To examine the effectiveness of these design principles, the neighborhood Lombok in Utrecht was utilized as a design case. The findings of this design exploration highlight the impact small local initiatives could have on urban ecology as well as the well-being of residents. Following this, two design scenarios were elaborated to demonstrate that, despite the spatial restrictions of pre-war working-class neighborhoods, nature inclusivity could be achieved in a variety of ways.

Because of the urgent need for nature inclusivity in many pre-war working-class neighborhoods, the utilization of this approach could greatly improve the ecological resilience of many Dutch urban ecosystems.

In response to the need for robust and extensive green infrastructure in Monterrey, Mexico, this thesis will explore the potentialities of upscaling urban forestry and regional afforestation as a solution. The metropolitan area of Monterrey, and it’s urban landscape morphology, is facing severe environmental pressures shaped by a conflict between powerful natural forces, such as extreme weather events and deforestation, and turbulent human activities, such as urban expansion and poor management of natural areas. This results in an inaccessible, fragmented natural landscape. This thesis will define forest types suitable for arid climates, assess which ecosystems services an afforestation plan will deliver, and design strategies for sustainable, long-term green-blue infrastructures. The project’s results contribute to enhancing ecosystem services, defragmenting the natural landscape, and harmonizing the relationship between people and nature. The research also identifies the key challenges and barriers to expanding Monterrey’s green network, by creating a value map, and proposing design interventions for overcoming them. These findings will emphasize the potential of regional afforestation in arid urban landscapes and underscore the significance of ecosystem-based adaptation. Finally, this thesis proposes an evolutionary framework to find the potential capacities to connect Monterrey’s landscape patches with the natural protected areas.

This thesis addresses the spatial strategy for designing green and blue infrastructure in the metropolitan area of Monterrey (MAM), responding to the increasing environmental impacts of climate change. Droughts and heat waves in the MAM are already affecting residents, causing heat stress and water scarcity. These challenges can be mitigated through the implementation of green and blue infrastructure within the city.
The main research question is: “What spatial strategy can be used to implement green and blue infrastructure in order to tackle droughts and heat stress in the metropolitan area of Monterrey?” By doing so, the thesis aims to enhance both the ecological improvement and the quality of public space to improve residents' quality of life.
Initially, the study focuses on understanding the natural systems in and around the MAM. An integrated approach analyzes terrain, water structures, soil, vegetation, and ecosystems to create landscape and ecological design principles as the foundation for green and blue infrastructure.
Subsequently, new design principles are derived to mitigate heat stress and drought in the MAM, emphasizing the restoration of ecological balance through the creation of an ecological mosaic consisting of green patches and corridors connecting them.
Specific strategies, such as the 300-meter rule for green space accessibility, are tested and implemented to transform urban areas into a network of recreational green spaces and green corridors.
The case study focuses on San Bernabé, chosen for its significant socio-economic and environmental challenges. By leveraging the watershed beneath this district as a foundation, the strategy integrates upstream water storage and downstream water retention. Therefore, six green and blue infrastructure principles guide the spatial design for San Bernabé, emphasizing upstream water storage and collection in reservoirs and downstream cooling and retention with continuous flowing streams and vegetation.
The resulting metropolitan vision, spatial design, and detailed plans and a phasing program, envisions a transformed urban landscape with increased accessible green spaces and corridors supported by sustainable water resources. This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate the increasing environmental challenges Monterrey is facing.